Australia promoting tourism to the Indian Ocean territories

THE Parliament’s Northern Australia Committee will visit Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands from Saturday 27 January to Thursday 1 February 2018 to hold public hearings as part of its Inquiry into Opportunities and Methods for Stimulating the Tourism Industry in Northern Australia.

The Committee Chair, Warren Entsch MP said ecotourism is becoming increasingly popular with Australian and international visitors and the potential is there to develop existing tourism operations and create new experiences on the Indian Ocean Territories.

“Christmas Island and the Cocos (Keeling) Islands have recently been voted as having some of the best beaches in Australia, with their pristine coral reefs, and largely untouched national parks,” Mr Entsch said.

“Increasing tourism to the islands has the potential to also boost jobs and create a positive impact on the local economy,” he said.

Draft Public Hearing Programs:
Monday, 29 January 2018: Christmas Island Court House, 8.30am to 3.30pm.
Tuesday, 30 January 2018: West Island, Cocos Club, 1pm to 3.30pm.
Wednesday, 31 January 2018: Home Island, Council Chamber, Shire Offices, 8.30am to 12.30pm.

The Committee is interested in hearing from a range of tourism stakeholders. These times are indicative only and may be shortened or lengthened depending on community interest.

People wanting to participate in the inquiry can contact the Committee secretariat by telephone on 02 6277 4162 or by email to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. as soon as possible, and no later than 19 December 2017.

For more information about the Committee’s inquiry, including the hearing program, submissions and terms of reference visit the committee website.

Interested members of the public may wish to track the committee via the website. 

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